The owner of a Paterson convenience store was robbed at knifepoint in an Elmwood Park motel room by a man who claimed he was interested in buying the victim's shop, police said Wednesday.
Elmwood Park police said a Paterson store owner was robbed at knifepoint in the borough Jan. 5, 2016. (File photo)
The 52-year-old business owner, a Haledon man, told police he agreed to give a man he knew only as Ali from Newark a ride from his store to the train station Tuesday night, according to Chief Michael Foligno. The merchant left with $3,000.
On the way, Ali convinced the store owner to get him a motel room because he was tired and didn't feel like making the trip back to Newark, according to the chief. The pair were in a room at The Town House Inn on Route 46 when Ali came up behind the merchant, pressed a 4 to 6 inch knife to his back and demanded money.
The robber fled with the $3,000 and security cameras captured him getting into a waiting car with another unidentified person, Foligno added. Authorities did not immediately provide detailed descriptions of the vehicle or suspects.
Foligno said the merchant was not injured.
"The suspect should be considered armed and dangerous," the chief said in an email.
Ali reportedly visited the man's Paterson store over the past several weeks and expressed interest in purchasing the business, police said.
Anyone with information was asked to call police at 201-796-0700, ext 110. Police said callers can remain anonymous.
Noah Cohen may be reached at ncohen@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @noahyc. Find NJ.com on Facebook.
